Movement Is Life Journey

A. Accept the Condition and Hope that Things Return to Normal

Some experts believe that the increased chance of depression in women is related to changes in hormone levels that occur throughout a woman's life. Depression drains you of energy, hope, and drive. While overcoming depression isn't quick or easy, it's far from impossible.

Let's learn more about Depression.

Lead to isolation and/or emotional pain. A lack of interest in taking part in activities you once enjoyed can lead to isolation and inactivity—which may keep you locked into the Vicious Cycle.

Affect your relationships with family and friends. When you're depressed, the tendency is to withdraw and become isolated. Even reaching out to close family and friends can be hard. But social support is very important to depression recovery. If you don't feel you have anyone to turn to, it's never too late to build new friendships.

Cause other health-related symptoms. Depression is linked to gaining/losing weight, losing interest in hobbies, sleeping too much or too little, and trouble staying focused. It can make you feel hopeless and affect every other part of your life. Five or more of the following symptoms can mean depression that needs medical intervention:

Talk to a friend, your clergy, or a counselor. Depression is an illness, a medical condition that likely will not go away without help. It's important to treat your depression in the same way you would treat any other serious illness by seeking help.

Delaying treatment allows symptoms to progress. Depression can damage work and family relationships and have negative effects on your physical health.

Exercise, eat healthier, and think positive. Take a few steps each day toward living a healthier life. You may not have much energy, but you probably have enough to take a short walk around the block or pick up the phone to call a loved one. It's important that you:

Stay connected with others

Get moving

Do the things that once made you feel good (even when you don't feel like it)

Eat a healthy diet

Challenge negative thinking

Be kind to yourself. Get rid of negative self-talk. Anytime you catch yourself being unkind to yourself, stop! Did you know that negative thinkers tend to have more health problems than those who think positive thoughts? Not only can positive self-talk make you healthier, it can help you have a better life.

You may be reluctant to admit that your joint pain is affecting your mood. In fact, you may have multiple forms of stress in your life. Other stressors in your life coupled with joint pain can make a depressive mood worse.

A common myth is that it's normal to feel down at certain times of your life—during teenage years, as a new mother, when you're older and menopausal, or have a chronic illness. Or, you may believe that suffering with depression may be seen as weak by your family and peers. These myths may be keeping you from admitting you are depressed or getting the proper treatment for it.

At the same time, you may not trust people to not judge you for your depression. This may be an actual fear for you—that you have no one to turn to about your depression. Acknowledging the stress you are under, and seeking help and support, are good first steps towards overcoming your depression.

Depression and suicide rates among young Hispanic women have reached alarming rates. Hispanic girls have a higher incidence of depression than any other ethnic or racial group in the female adolescent demographic—a shocking 13.5% of girls in the 14-18 age group have attempted suicide at some point.

You may feel torn between two very distinct cultures. You may even feel like you don't belong anywhere and can't relate to anyone. It can be challenging to live in two different cultures and speak two different languages. You may often feel alone and isolated. Know that many other Latinas have experienced those same feelings and have been able to find the best of both worlds. Know that you are not alone. Share your feelings with a trusted friend or healthcare professional. Learn to value your skills and special gifts and be patient with yourself.

You may also be plagued with a sense of guilt over pursuing new life options, which may not be accepted by a more traditional culture. If you feel intense sadness that does not seem to go away, seek help. Find someone to share your feelings with. Know that movement and increased activity can help with feelings of sadness. Walk more, move more, dance more. Movement can help start you toward moving away from sadness.

You're on your way to solving the puzzle and breaking the cycle. Now you know more about Depression. If you would like to go back and follow choice B, please click here. If you would like to move forward, let's take a look at the next piece of the puzzle by clicking on Type 2 Diabetes …